Information for Importers and Resellers
The U.S. ITC Action Relating to Cartridges for Epson Printers
District Court Cases
- Seiko Epson Corporation vs. Glory South, et al. (February 17, 2006) Download
In conjunction with the ITC complaint, Epson filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in February 2006 against the same 24 companies asserting similar patent infringement claims that cover cartridges for Epson desktop printers. The complaint seeks a permanent injunction against infringement and monetary damages.
- Seiko Epson Corporation vs. 123Inkjets.com, et al. (June 18, 2007) Download
In June 2007, Epson filed a patent infringement lawsuit in U.S. District Court against three internet retailers of ink cartridges and a large wholesale distributor. The complaint alleges that these companies infringe a total of 18 patents that cover cartridges for Epson's desktop and large format ink jet printers. Epson seeks both permanent injunctions against continuing infringements and compensatory damages.
- Seiko Epson Corporation vs. Inkjetmadness.com, et al. (April 10, 2008) Download
In April 2008, Epson filed a patent infringement lawsuit in U.S. District Court against four additional large internet retailers of ink cartridges that continued sales of infringing cartridges despite Epson's considerable enforcement efforts. The complaint alleges that these companies infringe a total of 18 patents that cover cartridges for Epson's desktop and large format ink jet printers. Epson seeks both permanent injunctions against continuing infringements and compensatory damages.
The U.S. District Court lawsuits underscore the responsibility that all companies in the distribution chain have to avoid infringement. Resellers can be directly responsible for substantial patent infringement damages, particularly if their suppliers try to withdraw from the U.S. market to avoid financial responsibility.